Assess the Damage
The first step is to assess how much water damage the iPod has sustained. Pay attention to how wet the device got and if there is any visible water damage. An iPod that was briefly splashed or exposed to small amounts of water may still function after drying out, while a device that was submerged or soaked will likely have more extensive damage.
It’s important to note if the iPod is still switched on when it gets wet. Electronics that are powered on when exposed to water often short circuit and suffer irreparable damage. An iPod that is off or gets turned off right away has a better chance of surviving water exposure.
Look over the iPod for any signs of physical water damage like water droplets in the screen, fogging or condensation inside the case, corrosion on connectors, or water droplets in the headphone jack or dock connector. The more evidence of water intrusion and leakage into the interior, the greater the water damage.
Gently shake the iPod and listen for any internal sloshing or splashing sounds, which indicate water got inside the case and there may be serious damage to internal parts and circuitry. An iPod that sounds dry inside has a better prognosis.
Remove from Water
If your iPod gets wet, it is crucial to remove it from the water as quickly as possible. Do not leave it submerged, even if it is in a protective case. Immediately take it out of the water and remove any cases, covers, or attachments. Getting the iPod out of the water right away will help minimize liquid damage and give you the best chance of saving your device.
Be sure to gently wipe off any excess moisture on the outside with a clean, soft cloth. Do not shake, bang, or rub the iPod, as this could spread water further inside. Carefully pat dry the iPod to remove external wetness. Once you’ve taken it out of the water and wiped it down, you can move on to the next steps for drying it out.
Power Off
The first step after removing your iPod from the water should be to power it off immediately if it is still on. Do not try turning it on or testing it to see if it still works. Powering on electronics before they have fully dried can short circuit and permanently damage components.
As explained on Reddit, “It is natural instinct to panic and try to turn on your phone after it gets wet to see if it still works. This is when the damage happens.” Remaining powered on allows electricity to continue flowing through components that may have gotten wet, leading to shorts and permanent damage.
Turn off your iPod right away if it is still powered on after getting wet. Do not try turning it on again until it has had time to fully dry out.
Remove Battery
It is crucial to remove the battery from a wet iPod to prevent short circuiting and further damage. Water can cause electrical shorts and corrosion over time, so extracting the battery right away helps mitigate these risks. According to a discussion on Apple’s forums, replacing the battery in a water-damaged iPod is ineffective because the corrosion will continue to spread.
To remove the iPod battery:
- Use a small Phillips head screwdriver to unscrew the back casing and expose the internal components.
- Locate the battery and carefully disconnect it from the logic board.
- Lift the battery out of the iPod casing and set it aside.
Removing the power source prevents electricity from flowing while moisture is still present. This can stop shorts and greatly reduce the chances of permanent damage. Allow the iPod to dry fully before attempting to reinstall the battery.
Dry Exterior
Gently pat down the exterior of the iPod with a soft towel or cloth to absorb any moisture on the outside casing. Use light dabbing motions rather than scrubbing or rubbing vigorously, which could push water further into crevices. Avoid using paper towels or other materials that could scratch the surface. Work methodically around the device, frequently changing to a dry area of the cloth, until no more dampness transfers onto the towel. According to experts at CNET, moisture trapped beneath an outer shell or screen can cause serious internal corrosion, so gentle external drying is an important first step.
Absorb Internal Moisture
One of the most effective ways to draw moisture out of a wet iPod is to use desiccant packs or uncooked rice. Desiccant packs contain silica gel beads that absorb moisture, while rice acts as a natural desiccant. Here are some tips for using these moisture-absorbing materials:
- Remove the iPod battery first, as described in previous steps. This allows moisture to evaporate from inside the device.
- Bury the iPod in a bowl or bag of uncooked rice, making sure it is completely covered. Rice grains will act like tiny sponges, absorbing water vapor (1).
- For quicker drying, use multiple small desiccant packs instead of rice. Make sure packs directly contact wet areas. Look for ones labeled as safe for electronics (2).
- Let the iPod sit for at least 24 hours to allow full moisture absorption. Check after 1-2 days.
- Do not microwave desiccant packs to reactivate them, as this can cause overheating. Follow package instructions.
The desiccant materials will draw moisture out of the iPod’s internal components safely and effectively. Be patient during the drying process for the best chance of restoring your wet iPod.
(1) https://twitter.com/drynow?lang=en
(2) https://twitter.com/drynow?lang=en
Wait
The most important thing to do after an iPod gets wet is to be patient and give it sufficient time to dry out completely before attempting to turn it on. Don’t be tempted to try turning it on prematurely.
Let it dry for at least 24 hours before attempting to turn on. It’s best to leave it for 48-72 hours if possible. This allows any residual moisture that seeped inside the casing to fully evaporate.
Find a dry, warm place to leave the iPod while waiting. Do not use any external heat sources like a hairdryer or heater to speed up the drying process as this can damage the electronics.
Be sure to remove any protective cases and keep the iPod open. Check port openings for any trapped moisture and use a soft cloth to gently wipe or blot any wet areas.
Waiting is the most critical step after water exposure so be patient. If turned on too soon, remaining moisture can short circuit and permanently damage internal components.
Check for Residual Moisture
Make sure to fully inspect the iPod for any remaining water or moisture before attempting to turn it on. Water damage can quickly fry the internal electronics so you want to be certain it is 100% dry. According to Reddit users, the damage often happens when people try to turn on water damaged devices too soon. Allow plenty of time for drying and look carefully for moisture in cracks or crevices.
Examine inside any ports or openings, shine a flashlight if needed. Look for condensation or fogging under the screen or optical surface, an indication of trapped moisture. Refer to sources like Technology Solved for a list of visible signs of water damage. Be patient and do not rush the drying process.
Attempt to Power On
After fully dried (perhaps waiting 24-48 hours), try turning it on. It may take a few tries for the electronics to start working again after drying out. According to a Reddit user, “If your electronics get wet, they will not be damaged if they are off and allowed to dry completely before being turned on again.”[1] Be patient and try turning it on multiple times if it doesn’t power on right away.
When to Give Up
If the iPod still won’t power on after you’ve given it sufficient time to dry out (at least 24 hours), the internal components may have corroded beyond repair. At this point, you’ll likely need to seek professional assistance. Repair shops may be able to clean and replace damaged internal parts, but if the logic board is fried, your iPod is probably beyond saving. According to experts, if an electronic device won’t power on at all after drying out, it usually means the damage is too extensive for DIY fixing. You’ll have to decide if repair costs outweigh the value of the device. Otherwise, replacement may be the most prudent option.